Chapter 105. By His Own Will
Count Calliot raised his head.
He knew full well the precariousness of this position. However, the sole reason Count Calliot accepted it despite the danger was the possibility of becoming a noble.
He had spent his entire life as a knight. He was exceptionally skilled, and he could boast of having lived a life more diligent than others. He woke up at dawn to practice his sword, cutting back on sleep to train his body. Both the former Count Calliot and his first superior praised his swordsmanship.
However, the limitations of his status were clear, and those barriers could not be overcome through effort.
He believed that with the support of his status, he could rise through the ranks.
And it seemed that opportunity was coming.
"Currently, the troops in the capital are 3,000 infantry and 1,000 cavalry."
Laxus's gaze deepened.
They had never fought in actual combat. Kassius's knights, on the other hand, were veterans who had fought in actual battles.
And what's more, the byproducts of Lottera are gathering in Hiloshine? They, too, were true knights who had fought alongside the previous Duke of Lottera on the battlefield.
They were also the victors who brought the Chorpa Plains to Laxus.
'They hold a deep grudge against me, too.'
His head throbbed. Laxus pressed his forehead. The drugs and alcohol he had been taking for so long had plunged him into the abyss. He had been captivated by the illusions they brought him, and he still had no regrets. Laxus had found solace in them. He could even forget this excruciating headache. It was this headache that had first led him to take drugs and alcohol.
Laxus gritted his teeth against the intense pain that had returned after a long time.
However, the problem Laxus was facing now was not something that could be solved with drugs and alcohol.
In the end, Laxus was preparing to swing his sword against Kallius.
"What do you think their chances of winning this war are?"
"It depends on the war."
Count Calliot avoided a precise answer. Laxus chuckled. What he meant was that the knights of the Empire had no experience in war, making it difficult to predict the outcome.
Laxus wasn't stupid.
He slowly raised his eyes.
"Then let me ask you directly. What are the chances they'll defeat the knights of Lottera?"
Count Calliot's face paled. Only then did he realize the purpose of this meeting. The Emperor wasn't trying to correct the nobles' habits. And Lottera, Hiloshane?
The knights knew all the rumors there.
Hiloshine was gathering all the best swordsmen they could find. There was much talk about where Hiloshine would aim his sword. And while he was suspicious, he trusted Lottera's loyalty.
"...Are you saying Hiloshine is contemplating treason?"
"You're not a thinker. I'll do the thinking, so you just answer."
“As of now... there’s no chance of winning. Four thousand knights have never been on a proper battlefield. But the knights of Hiloshine have been on the front lines. The difference is significant.”
Count Calliot answered honestly.
No matter how high the price to return is, if you eat something you shouldn’t, you’ll be caught in the aftermath.
“If you want to defeat Hiloshine...”
Laxus listened. Winning this war and defeating Lottera once again.
In fact, there was an easier way. Even if he just snapped the neck of Renisha, who was currently imprisoned in the imperial palace, their morale would plummet. But this time, that ‘but’ tripped Laxus up.
This time too... Laxus failed to kill Renisha.
Count Calliot entered the Emperor’s palace. Laxus reinstated Canary as Empress, gave her a name, and installed her son as Prince. The temple slapped Renisha on the back of the head and announced that there was no problem with the child's bloodline.
Renisha chuckled.
"...As expected, the Emperor is no ordinary person."
If it had been easy in the first place, there would have been no need for such a struggle. Luna, who had been listening to the chamberlain's report with Renisha, tilted her head.
"...He just seemed like a madman."
"A man like that wouldn't have been able to hold power until now. Thank you, chamberlain."
The chamberlain bowed deeply. He took the purse and left Renisha's bedroom.
Renisha stood up. Laxus began to move quickly. Laxus's venom was on full display here. He had completely weaned himself from the drugs he had been addicted to for years.
"You crazy bastard."
There's an old saying that goes, "You shouldn't associate with someone who quits smoking or drugs." That must mean he was that venomous.
"...So what do we do now?"
Renisha bit her lip. It was somewhat within the expected range. Then Renisha must make her next move.
“Have the imperial doctor come in.”
If Laxus denied, wouldn’t she have to raise suspicion once more?
The position of the Emperor’s doctor wasn’t just for anyone. Not only did he have to be skilled, but he also had to be quick-witted and careful with his words. His single word could change the political situation.
“Yes, Lady Renisha.”
Turiel smiled brightly.
“Tell Haylin to expedite war preparations and prepare for an attack. And...”
Renisha continued, her face deep in thought.
“Tell the Marquis of Danvers to gather people in the basement of the Lottera townhouse.”
“Do you intend to go yourself?”
Renisha nodded.
“I heard the Emperor is taking a concubine, Turiel. What do you think he’s thinking?”
“...He's trying to keep Lady Renisha’s people captive.”
“Exactly.”
He was planting hope in them that his daughter might give birth to the next Emperor. Laxus was no fool. He was a butterfly who lured people with the surest move.
“So we must expedite the doctor’s work.”
“Understood.”
“Gather the people underground in Lottera and take the doctor with you. Prove to them that Laxus is barren. So they can’t let go of our hand.”
“Yes, Lady Renisha.”
Renisha sat in the imperial castle, gazing a thousand meters into the distance.
“And Luna.”
“Yes?”
“There’s something you need to do.”
“...What is that?”
Renisha’s gaze deepened. She planned to start by eating away at Laxus’s surroundings, so that he could be isolated. First was Cloud, so next...
“Kill Canary and bring her child.”
Renisha smiled gently. This, too, was a predetermined outcome. This was a situation she'd dreamed of for a long time.
Laxus needed Canary and her child. Only then could he use the position of his concubine to persuade the nobles.
So Renisha planned to destroy it all.
Renisha stared at Luna.
Her cute appearance had grown quite a bit since she'd been dressed for so long. She looked like a tomboyish noblewoman. At that level, no one would be wary of Luna.
"...What happens if they find out?"
"I'll die. But I won't even have to. If I lose, Laxus will reduce Hiloshine to ashes."
Luna bowed her head heavily. She agreed with Renisha. The madness in Laxus's eyes was real. Luna swallowed.
"...You mean it has to be done, right?"
Renisha shrugged.
"That'll make it a little easier to win."
Luna nodded curtly.
"When I die, make sure you bury me next to Kassius."
“It sounds like you’re saying you won’t die. You don’t want to become food for wild dogs.”
Renisha and Luna locked eyes and smiled.
Renisha made her next move. Now, what will happen next?
Kassius stared out the window, lost in the darkness.
“...The number of watchers has increased.”
Lindy handed Kassius a glass of water.
“Yes.”
“Renisha is up to something.”
Kassius’s gaze sunken.
Not long ago, Renisha had told him, “Protect the Lottera mansion, no matter what happens.” That was a symbolic meaning that Renisha would always be strong.
In war, a symbolic flag played an important role. It signified the safety of the commander leading the war. At the same time, it could also determine the morale of the knights.
Kassius would be the knight who carried that flag.
The townhouses of the capital were exposed to all kinds of danger. With Renisha gone, Laxus would attack this mansion first to capture her.
“I need to gather the knights of Lottera residing on the island. Lindy, will you help me?”
“That’s why I stayed here, so I will fulfill my duty.”
“Are there still those in this island who miss Lottera?”
Lindy’s eyes wavered. With the death and fall of the Duke of Lottera, those who worked there were scattered. Some went as far as Hiloshine to bury themselves under Lottera, but others likely did not.
“There must be many. The Duke was generous to his servants. Those who worked at Lottera took pride in that. They believed that Lottera’s honor was with them.”
“Can you trust them?”
“I’ll be able to pick out the ones I can trust.”
“We need to gather them. I’m not trying to get them to take up arms. Information is crucial in war.”
Kassius’s eyes gleamed.
“We need eyes at each location. We need to signal the Emperor’s knights when they move.”
“I understand. I think we can do it.”
“Create eyes throughout the entire empire. And...”
The lack of troops is likely...
Count Calliot raised his head.
He knew full well the precariousness of this position. However, the sole reason Count Calliot accepted it despite the danger was the possibility of becoming a noble.
He had spent his entire life as a knight. He was exceptionally skilled, and he could boast of having lived a life more diligent than others. He woke up at dawn to practice his sword, cutting back on sleep to train his body. Both the former Count Calliot and his first superior praised his swordsmanship.
However, the limitations of his status were clear, and those barriers could not be overcome through effort.
He believed that with the support of his status, he could rise through the ranks.
And it seemed that opportunity was coming.
"Currently, the troops in the capital are 3,000 infantry and 1,000 cavalry."
Laxus's gaze deepened.
They had never fought in actual combat. Kassius's knights, on the other hand, were veterans who had fought in actual battles.
And what's more, the byproducts of Lottera are gathering in Hiloshine? They, too, were true knights who had fought alongside the previous Duke of Lottera on the battlefield.
They were also the victors who brought the Chorpa Plains to Laxus.
'They hold a deep grudge against me, too.'
His head throbbed. Laxus pressed his forehead. The drugs and alcohol he had been taking for so long had plunged him into the abyss. He had been captivated by the illusions they brought him, and he still had no regrets. Laxus had found solace in them. He could even forget this excruciating headache. It was this headache that had first led him to take drugs and alcohol.
Laxus gritted his teeth against the intense pain that had returned after a long time.
However, the problem Laxus was facing now was not something that could be solved with drugs and alcohol.
In the end, Laxus was preparing to swing his sword against Kallius.
"What do you think their chances of winning this war are?"
"It depends on the war."
Count Calliot avoided a precise answer. Laxus chuckled. What he meant was that the knights of the Empire had no experience in war, making it difficult to predict the outcome.
Laxus wasn't stupid.
He slowly raised his eyes.
"Then let me ask you directly. What are the chances they'll defeat the knights of Lottera?"
Count Calliot's face paled. Only then did he realize the purpose of this meeting. The Emperor wasn't trying to correct the nobles' habits. And Lottera, Hiloshane?
The knights knew all the rumors there.
Hiloshine was gathering all the best swordsmen they could find. There was much talk about where Hiloshine would aim his sword. And while he was suspicious, he trusted Lottera's loyalty.
"...Are you saying Hiloshine is contemplating treason?"
"You're not a thinker. I'll do the thinking, so you just answer."
“As of now... there’s no chance of winning. Four thousand knights have never been on a proper battlefield. But the knights of Hiloshine have been on the front lines. The difference is significant.”
Count Calliot answered honestly.
No matter how high the price to return is, if you eat something you shouldn’t, you’ll be caught in the aftermath.
“If you want to defeat Hiloshine...”
Laxus listened. Winning this war and defeating Lottera once again.
In fact, there was an easier way. Even if he just snapped the neck of Renisha, who was currently imprisoned in the imperial palace, their morale would plummet. But this time, that ‘but’ tripped Laxus up.
This time too... Laxus failed to kill Renisha.
***
Count Calliot entered the Emperor’s palace. Laxus reinstated Canary as Empress, gave her a name, and installed her son as Prince. The temple slapped Renisha on the back of the head and announced that there was no problem with the child's bloodline.
Renisha chuckled.
"...As expected, the Emperor is no ordinary person."
If it had been easy in the first place, there would have been no need for such a struggle. Luna, who had been listening to the chamberlain's report with Renisha, tilted her head.
"...He just seemed like a madman."
"A man like that wouldn't have been able to hold power until now. Thank you, chamberlain."
The chamberlain bowed deeply. He took the purse and left Renisha's bedroom.
Renisha stood up. Laxus began to move quickly. Laxus's venom was on full display here. He had completely weaned himself from the drugs he had been addicted to for years.
"You crazy bastard."
There's an old saying that goes, "You shouldn't associate with someone who quits smoking or drugs." That must mean he was that venomous.
"...So what do we do now?"
Renisha bit her lip. It was somewhat within the expected range. Then Renisha must make her next move.
“Have the imperial doctor come in.”
If Laxus denied, wouldn’t she have to raise suspicion once more?
The position of the Emperor’s doctor wasn’t just for anyone. Not only did he have to be skilled, but he also had to be quick-witted and careful with his words. His single word could change the political situation.
“Yes, Lady Renisha.”
Turiel smiled brightly.
“Tell Haylin to expedite war preparations and prepare for an attack. And...”
Renisha continued, her face deep in thought.
“Tell the Marquis of Danvers to gather people in the basement of the Lottera townhouse.”
“Do you intend to go yourself?”
Renisha nodded.
“I heard the Emperor is taking a concubine, Turiel. What do you think he’s thinking?”
“...He's trying to keep Lady Renisha’s people captive.”
“Exactly.”
He was planting hope in them that his daughter might give birth to the next Emperor. Laxus was no fool. He was a butterfly who lured people with the surest move.
“So we must expedite the doctor’s work.”
“Understood.”
“Gather the people underground in Lottera and take the doctor with you. Prove to them that Laxus is barren. So they can’t let go of our hand.”
“Yes, Lady Renisha.”
Renisha sat in the imperial castle, gazing a thousand meters into the distance.
“And Luna.”
“Yes?”
“There’s something you need to do.”
“...What is that?”
Renisha’s gaze deepened. She planned to start by eating away at Laxus’s surroundings, so that he could be isolated. First was Cloud, so next...
“Kill Canary and bring her child.”
Renisha smiled gently. This, too, was a predetermined outcome. This was a situation she'd dreamed of for a long time.
Laxus needed Canary and her child. Only then could he use the position of his concubine to persuade the nobles.
So Renisha planned to destroy it all.
Renisha stared at Luna.
Her cute appearance had grown quite a bit since she'd been dressed for so long. She looked like a tomboyish noblewoman. At that level, no one would be wary of Luna.
"...What happens if they find out?"
"I'll die. But I won't even have to. If I lose, Laxus will reduce Hiloshine to ashes."
Luna bowed her head heavily. She agreed with Renisha. The madness in Laxus's eyes was real. Luna swallowed.
"...You mean it has to be done, right?"
Renisha shrugged.
"That'll make it a little easier to win."
Luna nodded curtly.
"When I die, make sure you bury me next to Kassius."
“It sounds like you’re saying you won’t die. You don’t want to become food for wild dogs.”
Renisha and Luna locked eyes and smiled.
Renisha made her next move. Now, what will happen next?
***
Kassius stared out the window, lost in the darkness.
“...The number of watchers has increased.”
Lindy handed Kassius a glass of water.
“Yes.”
“Renisha is up to something.”
Kassius’s gaze sunken.
Not long ago, Renisha had told him, “Protect the Lottera mansion, no matter what happens.” That was a symbolic meaning that Renisha would always be strong.
In war, a symbolic flag played an important role. It signified the safety of the commander leading the war. At the same time, it could also determine the morale of the knights.
Kassius would be the knight who carried that flag.
The townhouses of the capital were exposed to all kinds of danger. With Renisha gone, Laxus would attack this mansion first to capture her.
“I need to gather the knights of Lottera residing on the island. Lindy, will you help me?”
“That’s why I stayed here, so I will fulfill my duty.”
“Are there still those in this island who miss Lottera?”
Lindy’s eyes wavered. With the death and fall of the Duke of Lottera, those who worked there were scattered. Some went as far as Hiloshine to bury themselves under Lottera, but others likely did not.
“There must be many. The Duke was generous to his servants. Those who worked at Lottera took pride in that. They believed that Lottera’s honor was with them.”
“Can you trust them?”
“I’ll be able to pick out the ones I can trust.”
“We need to gather them. I’m not trying to get them to take up arms. Information is crucial in war.”
Kassius’s eyes gleamed.
“We need eyes at each location. We need to signal the Emperor’s knights when they move.”
“I understand. I think we can do it.”
“Create eyes throughout the entire empire. And...”
The lack of troops is likely...
Kassius cracked his neck. Slurp. The red snake’s scales rose and fell in response to his movements.
“Spread the word throughout the imperial palace. About the dangers of the red snake. About how many people it has killed and how cruel it is. The more provocative, the better. Make us seem threatening.”
The underlying fear instills hesitation in people.
That hesitation will be Kassius’ opportunity.
“Yes, Duke!”
Lindy’s face was filled with emotion.
Kassius had also grown considerably. He wasn't the man who had once been so flustered in a blue suit. He had seen and learned to think from Renisha's side.
And Kassius had become both a shield and a sword for Renisha. Kassius fiddled with the sword at his waist.
"Finally, I think I should train with the mansion's servants and knights. I need a code of conduct that can be used in times of emergency. I think training will only be possible at dawn. Will the mansion's servants follow me?"
"I will make it so,"
Lindy said firmly.
Kassius and Lindy also began to move. Not by Renisha's will, but by their own will.
“Spread the word throughout the imperial palace. About the dangers of the red snake. About how many people it has killed and how cruel it is. The more provocative, the better. Make us seem threatening.”
The underlying fear instills hesitation in people.
That hesitation will be Kassius’ opportunity.
“Yes, Duke!”
Lindy’s face was filled with emotion.
Kassius had also grown considerably. He wasn't the man who had once been so flustered in a blue suit. He had seen and learned to think from Renisha's side.
And Kassius had become both a shield and a sword for Renisha. Kassius fiddled with the sword at his waist.
"Finally, I think I should train with the mansion's servants and knights. I need a code of conduct that can be used in times of emergency. I think training will only be possible at dawn. Will the mansion's servants follow me?"
"I will make it so,"
Lindy said firmly.
Kassius and Lindy also began to move. Not by Renisha's will, but by their own will.
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